The Lac des Vaches and Col de la Vanoise

Walk the trail of mule drivers, following the low dry stone walls as far as the wonderful Lac des Vaches. After which the itinerary continues to the Col de la Vanoise, at the foot of Savoie's highest peak, the Grande Casse (3855m).

Quite simply, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in Savoie.

After walking along the long stone walls that were once the route of the salt peddlers, you magically cross Lac des Vaches.

Yes, you do walk on water! And here you are in the midst of a truly exceptional environment. Admire that great mineral fin on your right: it's the Aiguille de la Vanoise, a climb reserved for the very best climbers.

When you arrive at the recently refurbished refuge, you're at the foot of Grande Casse, the highest summit in Savoie, approaching 4,000 m, with its long glacier tongue. You're in the high mountains!

A snack is in order at the refuge, where it's not uncommon to come across mountaineers preparing their gear for the next day's race, while children play outside waiting for the next meal.

Starting altitude: 1640 m
Highest point: 2517 m

From the Fontanettes parking lot, the trail starts out in the forest alongside the ski slope to the Barmettes refuge. Continue along the path lined with low dry-stone walls and climb a grassy ridge to reach the Lac des Vaches flat. At the foot of the aiguille de la Vanoise, ford the lake on slabs. Further on, the trail climbs the moraine of the Grande casse glacier, a remnant of the Little Ice Age, and skirts Lac Long, leading to the Col de la Vanoise refuge, which you discover at the very last moment. Among the marmots, admire the impressive face of Grande Casse. Spectacle guaranteed!

Departure point: From the Fontanettes parking lot, the trail starts out in the forest alongside the ski slope to the Barmettes refuge (possibility of taking the Génépi chairlift, depending on opening days).
1/ From the Refuge des Barmettes, follow the path lined with low dry-stone walls (route du sel) up a grassy ridge to the Lac des Vaches flat.
2/ At Lac des Vaches, ford the slabs.
3/ Further on, the path climbs up the moraine of the Grande Casse glacier, a remnant of the Little Ice Age, and skirts Lac Long, leading to the Col de la Vanoise refuge, which you discover at the very last moment.
4/ From the Col de la Vanoise refuge, return by the same route or via the Cirque de l'Arcelin.
5/ From the Chalet Inférieur de l'Arcelin, descend to the Refuge des Barmettes via Moriond.